Marie, were you using the demo edition? That version is significantly limited in the changes you can make. The "real" version lets you change virtually anything about a sweater - it's really wonderful.

Lissa

During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. -- George Orwell

If I remember correctly, Sweater Wizard and Knitable are really two different type of programs. There may be some overlap in features, but I can't remember. Knitable is more of a database program to keep up with what you have, although you can copy a pattern to it from a word processing program. SW allows you to design.

If you are looking for design software, I have demo'd both SW and Knitware. I personally prefer Knitware. It just seems a little more uncluttered to me. I like being able to plug in size, gauge, and design elements, and other details. I believe SW does this, too, I just like knitware better for some reason.

I demoed several different software packages - Cochinelle, Knitable, and Sweater Wizard. Checked out the things that the demos wouldn't allow that the full versions would, and signed up for their support lists for a week or two. After that, I bought Sweater Wizard 3. Carole is wonderful at support, and seems to be able to explain how to 'outwit' any perceived limitations in the program with creative and easy work-arounds. She also tends to answer any question within 24 hours. I didn't see that type of support for either of the other two programs.

There is another design software that is supposed to have all the bells and whistles is it Garment Designer? Something like that. But it is very expensive! Something like $300. I'd rather spend the money on yarn.

I just bought Sweater Wizard. It arrived today and is sitting at my elbow now. eyeing me expectantly. Soon, I say. After reading the reviews, Sweater Wizard seemed the best supported but I'll see how it goes. Jane

I use several different programs. Sweater Wizard is wonderful for designing a new pattern, or customizing a published pattern, very versatile and the tech support is first rate. I use Stitch and Motif Maker for charting. You can create cables, gansey designs, fair isle, intarsia, lace. Knitting Math is helpful for placing increases and decreases evenly, as well as for buttonhole placement. I have Knitable for use with my PDA. Enter the information with the desktop (although that isn't necessary). It serves as a data base for needles, yarns, books, sizing information, but you can also enter an entire pattern (copy and paste from your files) and very user friendly. I also use the eKnitKards, and have just participated in evaluating the new desktop version of that program. Certainly there is a degree of overlap, but I find that each has its good points. Also have Countable on my PDA, which helps track whatever you want to keep track of - increases, decreases, pattern repeats. etc. I purchased Cochinille's Stitch Painter several years ago (actually my first software and by far the most expensive), but it was on floppys and when I bought a new computer without a floppy drive I couldn't install it, although I copied them to a CD. When I called their tech support for advice was told they could take care of it and would get right back to me - that was two years ago and in spite of e-mails and phone calls, they have never responded, so I'm not too eager to endorse their product. I have the Sock Wizard demo loaded, but I don't knit socks too often so really haven't worked with it, but if it is comparable to Sweater Wizard, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it, if socks are your thing.Dicksie

I have cochenille garment design and stitch painter. I design a great deal of my own sweaters using my own handspun so the combo of these two programs gives my unlimited freedom. It was expensive but worth the money. I haven't learn all that I could but just the ability to sit down with my gauge swatch and plug in size and type of sweater or garment and have all the neccessary info in minutes is worth it.